Zouma, just 19, has been starring for Saint-Etienne for a couple of seasons and is being chased by leading clubs across Europe.

Chelsea want to buy him – ahead of title rivals Manchester City – despite Zouma being in the middle of a 10-match ban for a horror tackle . Mourinho’s spies believe Zouma is the outstanding young defender in Europe and want him to as they plan a new defence.

And the Stamford Bridge chief is poised to go for Zouma next month as his back line threatens to crack under pressure and undermine their season.